NHC News Item

[dizzyfish]

I don't agree about keeping the truth from the public lest they be panicked. Proenza spoke the truth, pure and simple. It's a sad state of affairs that punishes the NHC director for doing that.

I couldn't agree more!

Now, how panicked will the public be if Proenza is fired during hurricane season???
I only hope that this is only a slap in the face for him, but I fear not.

[Frank2]

Artist, that's an interesting point - we don't know exactly what happened, so, we can't say, but, of course the worse thing for him would have been that he spoke to a reporter first (also known as an unauthorized interview), since that would have been improper.

As many here know, when it comes to public relations, many civil service and even large corporations (and even smaller ones) follow strict guidelines when it comes to speaking to the media - for example, someone like myself would be in serious trouble if I were to give an unauthorized interview, since they need to be approved beforehand at a much higher administrative level (often that includes what can or cannot be asked).

Some here in the U.S. might be surprised (or dismayed) by this restriction, but, it is all too true...

Personally, I believe if a person is honest and is speaking respectfully, then, there should not be a problem, but, in today's complicated world, that is, pardon the expression, easier said than done...

[DanKellFla]

As the man in charge, I believe that the worst thing he is guilty of is lack of tact. Yes, he could have been a bit more tactful when he was pointing out the problems with QuickSat and his other complaints. But this "witch hunt" seems a bit heavy handed to me. Actually, I think this "surprise inspection" has made things worse. Things looked to be calming down, now it is all stired up again.

Write/e-mail your congressman to show your opinion.

[artist]

Frank2 - I have probably been one of the most trusting persons anyone has ever known up until the last few years. I am over 50. I have been called naive, etc. Would give my last dollar to anyone that needed it. I have had to suddenly realize how naive I have been. I have learned that power does corrupt, and that small portion of the population that have no conscience have infiltrated many positions of power. I still try to live by the golden rule, but there are those that don't and if we don't want to play by their rules then we will suffer the consequences unless we have more money or power than they have. My family and myself have been touched by this all too frequently in recent years. I will fight for wrong done to my family and friends with every breath I take. Unfortunately good and right do not always prevail here on earth. I will not ever quit believing in most all are good, but am much more wary of there are those that aren't.
To me it appears, with his history, that Proenza is willing to fight for us as though we are his family, no matter what it takes. Probably more tact could have been used, but whether it was or not, he did not get the funds. Some in high places don't care whether we are safe here - unless it were to touch their own family. They can make it painful for those that do care if it touches thei pocketbook. Seems to me this is the case.

I think we all should contact all are representatives, state and federal.

[artist]

Seems these 4 fisheries vessels are of more a priority than our satellite. The ~each~ was added by me - just wanted to show it is for each vessel.

Oct. 17, 2003 — VT Halter Marine Inc. and NOAA today launched the first of four planned NOAA fisheries survey vessels. Christened Oscar Dyson by Mrs. Peggy Dyson-Malson, wife of the late Alaska fisheries industry leader for whom it is named, the ship will be one of the most technologically advanced fisheries survey vessels in the world... At the ceremony, retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, announced that NOAA has exercised its contract option with VT Halter Marine Inc. to build a second fisheries survey vessel of the same design for color=#FF0000]$38.8 million[/color} (each). VT Halter Marine began construction of the new ship (FSV #2) yesterday, kicking it off with a steel-cutting ceremony. FSV #2 will replace Albatross IV in New England, which is more than 40 years old. (Click NOAA image for larger view of retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, who was the keynote speaker at the launch of the FSV Oscar Dyson at the VT Halter Marine shipyard in Moss Point, Miss. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)
Approximately 150 VT Halter Marine employees will be working on the two NOAA ships over the next three years. If the additional two planned FSVs are funded, that time span will extend to more than six years.

more -

“VT Halter Marine’s unique ability to design and construct sophisticated ‘quiet’ oceanic research vessels such as the Oscar Dyson is recognized globally and affirmed by the fact that NOAA selected us for this very significant program,” said Boyd King, VT Halter Marine chief executive officer. “The Oscar Dyson is a leading edge research vessel with the ability to conduct fisheries research and oceanography simultaneously throughout the world’s oceans.”

how ironic is this-

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

from
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2003/s2102.htm

]this from the new 2007 budget request -

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Marine National Monument $8 million

and this which would mean they didn't request anything for 2006?? What do you be
this was added after the hoopla as well, I have nothing to back that up though.

Hurricane Intensity Research $2.0 million Program change amount $2.0 million

http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~ ... 2_7_07.pdf

To me this is very representative of what he has to deal with. They can spend $38.8 million on 2 vessels so far, with 2 more hoped for, but they can't find the money in the budget for a new quiksat satellite.

I think I got the quotes in the right place this time!

[Frank2]

I can't say too much here concerning the spending issues you mentioned, because I'm unable, per our Internet usage rules on this end, but, just to quickly say that I'm the same as you, in age, and, in other similar ways - I too believe that if I treat others "nicely", as I like to say, they'll treat me likewise, but, you and I are from the "Leave it to Beaver" generation (probably explains why I always like to preface a comment with "Gee!", but, sadly today's world, as Ward Cleaver once said, is a much more complicated place (my parents were born not long after Titanic, so, that speaks for itself as far as a different time and place is concerned)...

Still, as far as the NHC Director's problems are concerned, I hope he remains at his post - at least his background certainly makes him well-qualified, and, as you said, it is very good that he is concerned for those he serves, but, time will tell...

[jlauderdal]

scooter libby is available for the job now that he got the free pass.

[Berwick Bay]

Yeah, its obvious. They want a quiet bureaucrat who will keep his mouth shut. Somebody sheepish and just glad to be where they are (like Mayfield). Main purpose would seem to be public relations, defending the image of the department. He violated that rule. From what I've seem they should just move the NHC to Washington DC, it would be more appropriate there.

[Aquawind]

I think we all like a straight talker..At first I praised him for awareness. I was thinking he was just protecting himself for any possible mistakes in the future because to the lack of data. Sure a little sales pitch for some budget change seemd ok and yes a big marketing plan for a gov't entity seems wasteful.

But, After looking at what has transpired it would seem that he is not to smart. Seems this issue with the sattelite has been or should have been known about before he took the position. Thus for him to take the job and then decide to lip the people that gave him the job when everyone knew full well the situation is plain weird. As a long time NWS management employee he has known about the budget process for years and yes it's flaws. He has been a long time NWS employee who took a important public position and basically abused his power going public. I think he has pissed off some of the Loyal NHC staff that knows the obvious and yes people are questioning if the people at the NHC can do a good job. I think it's more than just his upper management upset. Heck he tainted the marketing campaign with his internal political statements.

Under a Military branch of the Gov't it's no surprise the Admiral took action. He may have already been contacted by people at the NHC and I think he probably was after reading that article. I would bet there is a problem at NHC and would not be surprised if Mr Proenza was ousted or at least muzzled. It's not his postion to whine about his problems publicly. If he is such a smart employee of the system he should have known full well this is a whole different job than he has had in the past. As peons we can complain about the problems but as management talking like that to the public is just plain xxxx. I don't think he has real good business judgement..sincere and straightforward yes..but to decide to go against the system he has worked for so long an not use his position in a more tackfull way is questionable. Heck is he going to panick or take advantage on national tv when the next major hurricane threatens..That's a serious concern along with pissing off your coworkers..

Overall I like the guy..but I understand the concerns.

[Aslkahuna]

Max Mayfield wasn't exactly sheepish in his post Katrina comments about the Administration and as to when they were apprised as to how serious the situation could be after the Admin claimed to have not known that fact. In fact, there were some winces and even talk that he might call it quits before the 2006 season. He could still blow the lid off the pressure cooker were he to write a book. It also tells that no one in NHC wanted the Director's job when Max quit because they all know what kind of snake pit it is having to deal with the political hacks at the top. Worked over 30 years for Sam both military and civilian and the higher a person's postion it's more and more of not what you know but who you b*** (ryhmes with know)

Steve

[jaxfladude]

Maybe we should get all of them to "fight" during a cat 1 hurricane outside of course and then bring all in and begin again and repeat as often as need be...

[Downdraft]

Since tomorrow is the 4th of July I thought I'd just remind some here that this country was founded by a group of men that thought when they saw something that was wrong they had an obligation to speak out about it and even act on it. It is no wonder that everyone of our beloved founding fathers had an intense distrust of government and even Washington who led a government he helped created refused the title of "king" because he knew where it would lead. I wonder how Jefferson, Madison, Franklin and the others would feel about what government has become? The Director of the NHC felt a moral obligation to speak out about something that was wrong and if it costs him his job so be it. I hope Bill visits some of the memorials in Washington and then maybe he'll here the ghosts of the past say to him, "welcome to our group Bill."

Happy 4th of July everyone and remember if you can read thank a teacher because your free thank a soldier!

[Toadstool]

Since tomorrow is the 4th of July I thought I'd just remind some here that this country was founded by a group of men that thought when they saw something that was wrong they had an obligation to speak out about it and even act on it. It is no wonder that everyone of our beloved founding fathers had an intense distrust of government and even Washington who led a government he helped created refused the title of "king" because he knew where it would lead. I wonder how Jefferson, Madison, Franklin and the others would feel about what government has become? The Director of the NHC felt a moral obligation to speak out about something that was wrong and if it costs him his job so be it. I hope Bill visits some of the memorials in Washington and then maybe he'll here the ghosts of the past say to him, "welcome to our group Bill."

Happy 4th of July everyone and remember if you can read thank a teacher because your free thank a soldier!

I agree, I certainly hope this country gets back to the constitution, the rule of law... all those things that the founding fathers put in place to make this country so great! Right now, they're turning in their graves!

Happy Independence Day (even if it was July 2nd... "John Adams, in his writings, even noted that July 2 would be remembered in the annals of American history and would be marked with fireworks and celebrations." http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2005/nr05-83.html)

[benny]

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/159712.html

This isn't over yet it seems. This is an important new development?

[JTD]

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/159712.html

This isn't over yet it seems. This is an important new development?

Undeniably, Avila has it right. Reconissance is far more important than Quicksat. Some members of congress want to divert funding to Quicksat now over recon. How stupid is that? With 5 hurricane specialists calling for his ouster, I think Proenza needs to go.

[Brent]

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/159712.html

This isn't over yet it seems. This is an important new development?

Ouch!

This is really poor timing with the peak of the season coming soon.

[Stratosphere747]

I'm very disappointed that the old guns have taken this stance. With their public comments of Proenza, the writing looks to be on the wall.

Really a shame.

[Toadstool]

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/159712.html

This isn't over yet it seems. This is an important new development?

Undeniably, Avila has it right. Reconissance is far more important than Quicksat. Some members of congress want to divert funding to Quicksat now over recon. How stupid is that? With 5 hurricane specialists calling for his ouster, I think Proenza needs to go.

There's plenty of money for both a new QuikScat and recon (though they should have started planning a new QuikScat years ago since it's 7 years past it's expected lifespan and they say it will take a few more years to build a new one).

[benny]

I'm very disappointed that the old guns have taken this stance. With their public comments of Proenza, the writing looks to be on the wall.

Really a shame.

I really hope the distraction is taken care of soon. Either keep him or toss him. I have complete confidence in the hurricane center but putting internal squabbling to the media is never something that I have seen under any other director. something else is amiss here I feel.

[Jam151]

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/159712.html

This isn't over yet it seems. This is an important new development?

Omg.

But why the hell should the NHC have to chose between quikscat and recon data? It seems to me that the whole NHC should get behind Proenza and demand funding for both instead of caving in to the pressure from NOAA.